When should the test be performed?
The Ziehl-Neelsen staining test is a key diagnostic tool for detecting acid-fast bacilli, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the primary causative agent of tuberculosis. Indications for performing the test include:

  • Chronic cough, hemoptysis
  • Persistent fever of unknown origin
  • Weight loss, fatigue
  • Suspected pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis
  • Monitoring treatment in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis

Test description
The Center for Clinical Medicine offers microscopic examinations for acid-fast bacilli using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. This technique involves staining biological samples and performing microscopic evaluation, enabling rapid identification of acid-fast microorganisms in clinical specimens.

  • The test is performed on clinical materials such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, biopsies, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue samples
  • The specimen is assessed under a light microscope by qualified laboratory personnel
  • While the test provides valuable diagnostic information, microbiological culture or molecular testing is recommended for full pathogen identification